The second topic in our Lifestyle Series is balancing work and life. Whether you’re single or married, with or without children, the work-life balance is a constant struggle. With email, instant messaging, smart phones, and other modes of communication at our fingertips, work is always with you. Making time for relaxation and activities you enjoy will help the work-life balance become more even.
Tips for Enjoying Life a Little More
- Include downtime in your weekly schedule. Plan time each week to do something that makes you happy, whether it’s spending time with family and friends, exercising, reading a book, cooking, kayaking, or any other activity. Add the activity to a specific day and time on your calendar and set an alert to remind yourself of your scheduled me time”.
- Wake up earlier. Although losing a little sleep may not sound ideal, you will learn to appreciate the added time to exercise, read, catch up on news, or spend time with your family. Many people who exercise before work report feeling more alert and energized throughout the day, then sleep better at night.
- Just say no. Admit it some of your time is taken up by unnecessary activities simply because you feel bad saying no. Take a look at how you are spending your time. If something is not enhancing you personally or professionally, spend less time doing it or remove it from your schedule completely.
- Try a different approach. We’re so used to “running errands” that we don’t think about finding a better solution. Perhaps you could have your dry cleaning picked up and delivered to your home or office. Instead of making several small grocery runs, take one larger weekly or bi-weekly trip to the grocery store. Making simple changes to your routine can help free up more time.
When you find the right balance, you’ll be more productive and mentally present at work and at home. When life changes, you may have to readjust to find work-life balance again. If you’re feeling stressed for any reason, contact your Capital Women’s Care provider to discuss your overall health and well-being.
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